4moms Mamaroo

Keeping your baby occupied and amused can be a full time and exhausting job.  Having two free hands and a few moments to yourself can be rare, but the 4moms Mamaroo can help.

The Product:

The Mamaroo is a revolutionary "swing" that is easy, convenient, and well-loved by parents everywhere.  This is not your typical swing that glides back and forth or vibrates.  Instead, the Mamaroo focuses on mimicking the movements of parents by bouncing and swaying, just as you do when holding your precious little one.  The familiar motions help ease and comfort a fussy baby while keeping them securely strapped in with the five point safety harness.  The bounces and sways have five speeds and unique motions: car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock a bye, and ocean.  Each motion can be experienced in an upright position or more laid back with its adjustable recline.  What really sets it apart, however, is the music.  Every Mamaroo has built-in nature sounds but if those don't suit your needs, then you can easily plug in your own mp3 player with the included cord.  There is also a simple mobile attached to the top that features three reversible soft toy balls with cute monster designs on them.  One side is left black and white for the sharp contrast visible to infants, but once their sight improves they can be flipped over for a more colorful viewing experience. Rather than using batteries that need to constantly be replaced, the Mamaroo can easily be plugged in.  To take things even further, 4moms made all of the six removable seat fabric options (in plush or nylon) machine washable.

The Story:

This company, like many others out there in this industry, was both created by and named after a group of moms.  Though the name suggests only four, it actually started out as a group of five back in 2005 and has only continued to grow since then.  There are not a lot or products out there by this company as of yet, but every new design manages to be innovative and a step above everything else currently on the market.  Their products are a bit on the technical side, but if any issue arises, they're really great at helping you out.  At this time, I don't have any information as to the safety of its components (whether or not it's BPA-free for example), but once I obtain that information I'll be sure to update accordingly.

The Seller's Stand-Point:

There is nothing about the Mamaroo I would change. The plush fabrics (a personal favorite) are soft, the speeds have a wide range, the motions are very similar to what a parent would provide, and the ability to plug it in is key.  Keep in mind that this is the most recent model and the older ones vary slightly.  You can tell whether or not your model is an old one by taking a look at the buttons located on its base.  If the buttons are green, the model is old.  If the buttons are grey (like in the image above), you've got a new one.  The newer model provides faster speeds for older babies and a sturdier mobile.  When babies get older they tend to require faster speeds, but the reality of the situation is your baby is most likely going to outgrow this swing based on their maturity before they will reach the age or weight limit.  25lbs varies a lot and even a child's ability to lift their own head and neck can come at different ages but your baby will let you know once they're sick of sitting in a moving swing.  The Mamaroo is perfect for smaller homes and mobile parents.  Not everyone has the space for those other massive swings and even if you do find a place for one of them, there's no moving it.  The Mamaroo's small size, however, allows the parent to move it to whatever room necessary or even take it to a friend or relative's home.  The fact that it can be plugged in will save you from running out of batteries at crucial moments too.  The trick though, is to not let your baby fall asleep in this thing.  Once your little one starts to fall asleep in the Mamaroo, they'll suddenly feel as if it's the only way for them to fall asleep.  Before you know it, it's impossible to put your little one to bed without having them in the Mamaroo first.  Don't say I didn't warn you.  As always, remember that just like adults, every baby has his or her own likes and dislikes.  Sometimes (though rarely) babies just don't want to be in a swing.  

The Break Down:

• Age Range: Newborn - 3-6 months (whenever they sit up unassisted) or 25lbs
• Weight: 14lbs
• Available Colors:

• 1 Year Warranty
• Dimensions: 22.3" x 8.6" x 26.5"
• MSRP: For Classic/Nylon - $199.99, for Plush - $239.99

Adventure on!

Sophie Giraffe

It only takes about a few minutes for a person to realize that just about everything ends up in a baby's mouth; that's why it's important to ensure that anything placed in their hands is safe.  Sophie Giraffe by Vulli is not only a 100% natural rubber squeaky delight that baby will love, but it also works as an excellent teether once those first painful teeth start popping up.

The Product:

Sophie is formed out of the sap from the Hevea Tree through the rotational molding of rubber.  The small size and slender shape of this adorable giraffe is ideal for any baby's hands and her squeak can be heard by simply pressing her tummy or head.  The texture of this specific sap lends Sophie her incredibly soft and pliable skin that feels like that of the baby's mother.  This enables baby to be stimulated physiologically and emotionally through touch to help soothe and promote growth for a healthy future.  The built-in squeak will keep your little one amused as hearing strengthens and cause and effect becomes linked.  Though this toy can be used from birth, baby's eyesight is still limited even at three months old so only high contrasting colors are visible.  The dark spots scattered across Sophie's body will catch your baby's attention and enable the toy to become familiar and reassuring.  Once Sophie enters the mouth, the 100% natural rubber and food paint coating keeps baby safe while chewing away on various body parts such as her legs, which are especially great for reaching those back molars and sore gums.  Even the simple unique scent of the natural rubber makes this toy easily identifiable among your babies other various toys.  Every detail of this little giraffe has been carefully crafted to provide optimal comfort and pleasure for babies all over the world.

The Story:

Sophie was born in France in 1961 by Monsieur Rampeau.  During that time, most toys were designed after farm animals or pets, allowing Sophie to stand out as the first of its kind on the market.  Popularity increased as its reputation spread by simple word of mouth as more and more mothers began to realize the wonders of the giraffe.  It's ability to engage all senses has enabled this toy to withstand the test of time without changing from its original design.  Over fifty years later, the only changes Sophie has gone through is the addition of other family members, including a line of similar flexible teethers, blankets, and 100% organic cotton rattles, among others.  Vulli, the company based in France has continued the production of this toy through a process involving more than fourteen manual operations.

The Seller's Stand-Point:

I have not come across a single baby who does not love Sophie.  This Giraffe is the most popular toy.  Period.  Think of it as a dog chew toy, but for baby.  It may seem annoying to the parents, but this toy does an amazing job of keeping baby happy and I always recommend it to those shopping for a gift or deciding on a fun item to put on their registry.  There are not a lot of toys out there that are aimed at newborns; it's the most difficult age to find a toy for considering they are unable to have much involvement.  They're still working on developing sight as well as motor skills but since this toy is easy to grasp with small fingers and to identify with its dark spots, it'll be an easy starter.

The Break Down:

• 100% Natural Rubber and Food Paint
• Stimulates baby's senses for healthy development
• Age Range: Newborn - 12 months +
• Size: 7 inches (18 cm)
• Safety: BPA-free, Phthalate-free 
• Where it's Made: France

Adventure on!

Green Toys Sand Play Set

As a Southern California resident, I feel as if I've been melting lately in the heat wave sweeping through our area.  With all this hot weather I can't help but think that it is the perfect time to hit the beach to cool off and have a little fun.  I know a lot of parents out there are thinking the same thing but having something fun for the little one to stay occupied with is important too.

That's why today I've decided to tell you about the Green Toys Sand Play Set.  It's the perfect beach companion that I'm sure both you and your toddler will have fun playing with.

The Product:

This toy is as green as green can get, and I'm not talking about the color.  For children 18 months and up, this four piece collection of fun in the sun includes a rake, shovel, castle mold, and bucket, all created from 100% recycled plastic.  Made and tested in California, USA (the state with the strictest toy safety and environmental laws), these milk jugs are recycled and reprocessed into one of the safest and cleanest plastics in the world: #2 HDPE (high-density polyethylene).  This plastic is BPA, PVC, Phthalates, and lead free.  Even the packaging is made using as little material as possible and created using recycled corrugates boxes, printed with soy ink, and is absent of plastics, cellophane, and twist ties.  The processing of the plastic is done in such a way as to reduce fossil fuel use and green house gas emission.

If you want the safest, cleanest toy out there for you baby... you've found it.

The Story:

Honestly, I don't know too much about this company so instead, I'll link you to their "about us" page if you're interested in gleaming slightly more information about the founders.  The important thing to know is that the people behind the company are focused on trying to make the world a friendlier place and what could possibly be wrong with that?  So far they've succeeded in creating the only toys on the market made from 100% recycled post-consumer materials that are also packaged in 100% recyclable cardboard without the use of container pieces to fill landfills.

The Seller's Stand-Point:

This toy is at the top of it's class.  You will not find anything out there with the same qualities as the ones this brand puts into their toys.  With growing knowledge and increased testing on the chemicals used in plastics for all sorts of products, parents are becoming more cautious about what they're putting in their children's hands - and for good reason.  Worries are not included with purchase.  As labeled, this toy really is best for kids 18 months and up.  It's at that age that you'll find your child wanting to play with toys that feature cause and effect.  They love witnessing the reactions to their own movements as they realize the control they can start exhibiting onto objects.  They'll laugh, giggle, and repeat as they play in the sand with these sturdy, long-lasting,  durable toys.

Don't forget to take lots of pictures and enjoy yourself as well.

The Break Down:

• Environmentally and Eco-Friendly
• Made from 100% recycled materials
• 100% recyclable
• Age Range: 18 months +
• Available Colors: Blue, Green, and Pink

• Safety: Lead-Free, BPA-Free, PVC-Free, Phthalate-Free
• Where it's Made: USA

Adventure on!

Mimijumi Bottles

When it comes to feeding your new little one, deciding on a bottle can be tricky.  Not only are parents concerned about ease and safety, but babies have a few specifications of their own too.  With so many added benefits to breast feeding, most moms are trying to incorporate breast milk into their baby's diet.  The feeding technique behind getting milk from a bottle, however, is very different from the technique used to get milk from mom.  Not a lot of moms out there have the time to strictly breast feed though, and trying to go back and forth between mom and a bottle can be confusing for a baby, leading to what is called nipple confusion.  Babies that started out breast feeding frequently have a hard time accepting certain bottles because of this, making the search for one that works all the more difficult.

And then there was Mimijumi.

The Product:

The modern design of this bottle may be a little startling to look at for some parents, but the concept behind it is genius.  Mimijumi was developed with practicality in mind as one of the few bottles out there that provides a natural feeding experience for baby just like they get with mom.  It showcases natural colors, textures, and mechanics so transitioning to a bottle is a whole lot easier for both mom and baby.  The long thick nipple and its large round base sharply contrasts with most bottles out on the market and for good reason.  The nipple replicates a mother's breast to create a natural feeding and latching experience.  The base of the nipple will gently push against baby's face just like mom's while the more familiar look and feel of it provide some added comfort and security.  The size and shape of the nipple also resembles mom so baby will have an easier time latching on, accepting, and getting to the milk they need.  The slight curvature in the body of the bottle acts as a helping hand when baby is trying to get the last small portion out by allowing the milk to flow more smooth and free.  The lack of dips where the bottle and nipple attach also means that there are no valleys for milk to get stuck in during feeding time.  Another benefit of the wide nipple base is that it enables easier access for cleaning.  With the Mimijumi, there's no need for any specific bottle brushes.  It's easy to open, clean, provides an integrated venting system to help prevent colic, and has a skid-free base.  This bottle is dishwasher safe (top rack), can be used to in most bottle sterilizers and warmers, and can be heated on the stove in hot water (though you do not want to place it or any of it's pieces in the microwave).  The bottle comes in two sizes: Not So Hungry and Very Hungry and each one comes with a nipple and a red lid for travel.

The Story:

Mimijumi is based in Nashville Tennesse and was founded in January 2008 by two psychiatrists and a designer.  They set out with the goal of creating new products that would revolutionize the parenting process and did just that by listening to the input of designers, mothers, nurses, physicians, and lactation experts.  Together they considered and paid close attention to every detail, making one of the highest quality bottles possible.  With all this knowledge wrapped up in one product, it's easy to understand how an award winning bottle was created.  It doesn't end there though.  Mimijumi is dedicated to the baby's health and well being and shows their commitment by making this bottle BPA, latex, and EA free while also exceeding US safety standards.  The nipple is made out of medical and food grade silicon and the high quality plastic base is engineered in Switzerland and clear as glass but safe for baby.  As of 2011, they've moved the production of their bottles to one of the cleanest facilities in the world located in Europe and known for its best practices and clean standards.  If you're interested in learning more about the team behind the label, click here.

The Seller's Stand-Point:

Any mom who breast feeds and uses a bottle simultaneously will tell you how difficult it can be to find a bottle their baby will actually use.  We've had many moms come into our store in a desperate search for something different that just might work.  And with this bottle, they find it.  The Mimijumi really is incredible and babies do love it.  The look does throw some people off, but it's definitely worth getting past that.  The one complaint I have about this bottle and that I can't understand why Mimijumi hasn't fixed it yet is their lid.  It is a time consuming struggle trying to put the lid on this bottle in such a way that it won't fall right back off again.  There is a very specific way of placing the lid on the bottle to get it to snap on and make it diaper bag friendly.  If it wasn't for that, I'd say this bottle was perfect.  Of course you do need to keep in mind that all babies are different and what one may like, another may despise.  Don't get more than three bottles at a time when trying them out for the first time.  The last thing you want to do is spend all of your money buying several bottles your baby never ends up using.  Take a few, try them out (at least two or three times so they can get used to it), and then come back for more if they work.  It's what I suggest to anyone buying bottles for their baby for the first time.

The Break Down:

• Great for moms who breast feed
• Natural look and feel to prevent nipple confusion
• Integrated venting system to help reduce colic
• Sizes: Not So Hungry (4fl oz) and Very Hungry (8fl oz)
• Safety: BPA-free, Phthalate-free, Latex-free, EA-free
• Where it's Made: Europe

Adventure on!

Bloom Baby Fresco Chrome High Chair

Despite its incredibly modern design, the Fresco High Chair by Bloom Baby is not a new product to the baby scene.  Many parents are well acquainted with the Fresco Classic or Fresco Loft high chairs, but the discontinuation of those two styles made way for the new and improved Fresco Chrome (and special edition) introduced earlier this year.

The Product:

If you're looking for a functional, advanced, and modern high chair that will brighten up your home like new artwork, look no further.  There is no high chair quite like this one.  The Fresco Chrome has managed to keep all of the features that were so great about the older models while also including a few new and improved ones.

• This unique high chair offers a 360 degree swivel and large scratch free wheels concealed in the base below, making it accessible from any side for easy placement and removal of baby.  
• Once placed snuggly in the seat, you can secure your little one in with the Bloom smart-buckle that encompasses a five-point safety harness similar to those found in strollers and car seats with the added bonus of padded shoulder straps.  This one-push buckle system has a child proof release that also allows for baby to be removed safely later with just one hand.  These safety straps and the aluminum safety bar are removable for future use so the chair can be converted to a play seat for children as big as 79lbs.
• Every purchase of the high chair includes two seat pads (small and large) and a removable booster seat to use with smaller infants that has been engineered to direct spills away from the seat unit.
• While most standard high chairs are for use after a baby has reached six months old or has gained the ability to sit up unsupported, the three recline positions of the Fresco Chrome enables it to be used from as early as birth.  The first recline fully lies back to cradle newborns (perfect for parents who need a place to rest baby with a bottle), the second is a semi-recline for relaxation, and the third offers an upright position for better posture while eating.  All positions are easily activated with the handle located on the back side of the seat.  
• On top of the swivel action and adjustable reclines, this chair also presents to parents a pneumatic up and down height adjustment.  This means that parents can put the baby at just about any height desired up to 36 inches rather than being restrained to the imposing pre-selected increments.  Parents can now have baby eating with them either at the table or the counter.
• There are two trays for the high chair - one large, scratch resistant and anti-slip feeding tray that once removed, reveals a second smaller tray for play underneath.  Both are removable, dishwasher safe, and made from FDA food-grade plastic and stainless steel parts.
• To grow as baby grows, below the seat sits a removable reinforced aluminum footrest.  This footrest mirrors the reclines with its three adjustable positions for use as your baby reaches different heights.
• Though the aesthetic design of the chair may be focused on its modern appeal, the vibrant seat pads (available in fourteen different colors) lack any kind of nook and crannies for food to get wedged in.  Instead, each pad can be easily wiped clean.
• Want to change your seat pad color later for the next baby?  No problem.  Bloom Baby sells every seat pad color separately.

Shown in Mercury and Silver frames (the special edition color options) with Rock Red and Canary Yellow seat pads

The Story:

Bloom Baby is a company that was started by four dads who couldn't find the right baby products to fit their functional needs and sense of design simultaneously.  So together the four of them strive to bring to the market baby products that are simple, clean, and iconic to fit into contemporary homes while also maintaining focus on safety and environmental sustainability.  All products under this brand, including the Fresco Chrome High Chair, meet or exceed safety standards while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals throughout the manufacturing process.  All products are tested and certified to be free of lead, BPA, Phthalate, PVC, and heavy metal.  To top it all off, all plastic and metal parts used by Bloom Baby are recyclable.

The Seller's Stand-Point:

With as many great features as this chair offers, it's not shocking to see that this high chair is one of our best sellers.  Not a lot of high chairs out there can even compete on the same level as the Fresco Chrome.  With that being said, however, there are a few things about this chair that could still use some more improvements.  While I understand the importance of having a sturdy high chair built to last, I find this high to be obnoxiously heavy.  I've heard the rumor of how it has built in wheels to make moving it around the home easier, but I have yet to discover this feature.  I will say though that it does have the scuff resisters under the base which is never a bad thing.  The seat pads are incredibly easy to switch out whether you're changing from the small to the large or putting in a new color.  They're held on by a few swatches of Velcro, but since the seat pads are only removed occasionally, I can look past this.  The recline features are adjustable with one hand - once you get used to it.  I found that reclining the seat pad down couldn't be easier, but trying to put it in the upright position was tricky at first.  In order to adjust the seat up again you have to be able to push down on the seat first while pulling on the mechanism (which you're capable of doing with one hand when you figure it out).  The old models wouldn't allow you to do it with the safety belt on, but the new one does.  The trays, on the other hand, do have to come off first to do a full recline - not that you'll be needing those for a newborn anyways.  They, however, require two hands to remove.  That's not always the easiest thing to deal with when trying to put your wiggling baby in.  Having a footrest for the baby is definitely necessary in my opinion since I can't even stand the idea of a chair without a place to put my feet, but the adjustments on the Fresco Chrome are so minimal, they might as well have left it locked in place.  These suggested improvements are so small, however, that they don't detract from the chair overall.  As I said, there really is nothing quite like the Fresco Chrome High Chair.

The Break Down:

• Beautiful modern design
• Packed with features
• Age Range: Newborn - 79lbs
• Weight: 31.5lbs
• Available Colors:

 I would like to throw out there that although Bloom Baby is offering four different frame colors for this product, don't get your hopes up about getting the special edition Silver or Mercury colored frames in any time soon.  Those gorgeous colors are already on back order until next January/February.  Don't be fooled by anyone who tells you earlier.  This company is known for delays.  Also, the Havest Orange seat pad is a Giggle exclusive.

• Safety: Lead-free, BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC-free, and Heavy Metal-free
• Where it's Made: Asia
• Dimensions:

• MSRP: For Black and White frames - $550, for Silver and Mercury frames - $650 (including starter kit)

Adventure on!

Boon Naked Tub

Boon has a lot of great products out there, but their new bathtub "Naked" is at the top of the charts.

The Product:

This tub is simple, convenient, and smart.  Its sleek design with two supportive positions (and without the hassle of extra pieces) grows with baby from newborn to about 18 months.  The first position offers a gentle recline for the newborn, helping keep their head above water allowing for better safety and easy cleaning as the water flows away from baby's head.  The second position is the fully-expanded basin that accommodates the toddler while still keeping the amount of water minimal.  When not in use, this innovative tub can be drained from the convenient plug located at the base and fully collapses to a slim profile.  Once fully collapsed, it hangs for easy storage by its rotating hook.  To top it off, the whole package can be yours for $69.99.  It doesn't get much better than that.

The Story:

It may (or may not) surprise readers to find that the majority of baby brands out there were actually started by parents who couldn't find products that fit their own baby needs.  Boon was started by designer Rebecca Finell, a mom looking to clean up a messy bathtub - thus the birth of the Frog Pod (to be reviewed later).  This one idea sparked plenty of others so Rebecca Finell teamed up with Ryan Fernandez and together they brought Boon to life as well as many amazing new inventions.  Since their products are used on their own little ones, they ensure complete safety each step of the way, certifying all products to meet or exceed safety standards.

The Seller's Stand-Point:

This product is new to our store but despite that fact, it has been flying off the shelves.  It doesn't seem to matter what other bathtubs we may go over with customers, this one almost always wins out.  Even in my opinion.  Though our staff never received training on the Naked tub, it was very easy for us all to figure out how it worked.  The second position for the toddler is the easiest to do by just pushing down on the basin until it pops into place.  The first position is one that requires a trial run just to check it was done right.  Underneath the basin is an extra medal bar that will flip up to prevent part of the basin from fully collapsing.  The reason why you'll want to check before putting baby in is because that medal bar doesn't always catch in the right place the first time.  As for placing it in storage, that took a little longer to figure out.  The legs will fold flat but doing so requires pulling in an upward angle and a tiny bit more muscle than we realized until one associate used more strength than we were brave enough to put into it for fear of breaking the legs off.  Don't worry though, it's not more muscle than any parent possesses.

The Break Down:

• Convenient: No extra pieces to handle or lose
• Simple: Easy for any parent to figure out
• Age Range: Newborn - 18 months
• Available Colors: Green, Blue, Purple, Red, and Orange (Giggle Exclusive)
• Safety: BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and PVC-free
• Where it's Made: China
• Dimensions: 18.25" x 33" x 6.5"
• MSRP: $69.99

Adventure on!